Bagassosis

An occupational disease affecting the lungs of workers who handle mouldy bagasse (the fibrous residue of sugar cane after juice extraction). Bagassosis is one cause of allergic alveolitis, a reaction of the lungs to inhaled dust containing fungal spores. Symptoms will develop four to five hours after inhalation of the dust and may include wheezing, fever, headache, cough and shortness of breath; typically they last for about twenty four hours. Consistent exposure to dust can lead to permanent lung damage. Protective measures taken by industry have made the disease rare.